Members are mailed a monthly newsletter and calendar that details the program’s activities and events, listed below.

SeniorBEAT offers monthly health and lifestyle educational seminars designed specifically for seniors every third Thursday at 2 p.m. at the hospital. Educational topics that have been covered include: heart health, arthritis, estate planning, safe medication practices, history and museum tours, home safety, prevention of hip fractures, diabetes, and much more.

SeniorBEAT members also enjoy other benefits such as the opportunity to participate in interest groups, assistance with filling out hospital forms and insurance paper work, social service counseling when needed, volunteer opportunities, special mailings and a discount on some purchases at Weatherby’s Gift Shop.

SeniorBEAT’s small interest groups include:

• Book Club — Anyone who loves a good book will enjoy being a member of the book club. Club members read and discuss a wide variety of current and classic novels. All monthly selections are available at the Athens Public Library. The group meets the second Monday of every month at 10 a.m. at the hospital.
• Chair Volleyball — For those who like to get their exercise in a team setting, chair volleyball is an excellent choice. The O’Bleness Prime Time Players "hit the court" twice a week at the University Mall. The team meets every Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m.
• History Group — It is not essential to be a history buff to be a member of this group, but it is necessary to enjoy hearing fascinating stories told by authorities on all kinds of local historical topics. Knowledgeable speakers discuss various aspects of Athens County and the surrounding region. The group meets the second Thursday of every month at 1 p.m.
• Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program — Seniors who are interested in improving their flexibility and overall fitness can try out the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program. Although this program was developed for people with arthritis, others can also benefit from these gentle exercises. The one-hour exercise classes are held every Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. at the Athens Community Center, every Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Plains United Methodist Church, and every Saturday at 9:45 a.m. at the hospital.
• Singing Group — Being a superb vocalist is not a prerequisite for this group — members need only to appreciate music. The singing group meets at the Athens Community Center the third Friday of every month at 1 p.m. to sing folk songs, "oldies but goodies" and seasonal music. The group welcomes new singers and musicians.
• Lunch Program— Food and friendships is what this group is all about. The last Friday of every month, members meet at local restaurants as announced to socialize and dine out at a variety of restaurants that the area offers.

Join SeniorBEAT and “Be Educated and Active Together!” Everyone who is 60 years old or older can become a member of SeniorBEAT and share in the fun, fellowship and education. There are no membership fees or dues. For more information about SeniorBEAT programs or to become a member, call the O’Bleness Social Services Department at (740) 592-9337 or contact Alice Hawthorne, Director of O'Bleness' Social Services Department, by e-mail.